Anaheim Ducks forward Frank Vatrano has been at the center of trade rumors, with one proposed deal suggesting a return to the New York Rangers for the All-Star winger. Vatrano, who is entering the final year of his three-year, $10.95 million contract with the Ducks, was linked to the Rangers at last season’s trade deadline, though no deal materialized. Now, as the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, speculation about Vatrano being moved has resurfaced.
A recent trade proposal using PuckPedia’s new PuckGM tool has caught attention, where one user suggested a deal that would see the Rangers re-acquire Vatrano. In this hypothetical trade, the Rangers would receive Vatrano, while the Ducks would get Kaapo Kakko, a former second-overall pick who has struggled to meet expectations, along with a 2026 third-round pick.
Vatrano, who was initially acquired by the Rangers from the Florida Panthers on March 16, 2022, in exchange for a fourth-round pick, had a productive stint with New York, tallying 8 goals and 5 assists in 22 regular-season games, and contributing 5 goals and 8 assists in 20 playoff games. After his time with the Rangers, Vatrano signed a three-year deal with the Ducks and earned All-Star honors during the 2023-24 NHL season.
Adding Vatrano to the Rangers’ roster would bolster their scoring on the right wing, where he would join Alexis Lafreniere and Reilly Smith. Meanwhile, Kakko, who signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract extension with the Rangers this offseason, could potentially fill Vatrano’s current role as the second-line right winger in Anaheim.
The Rangers had shown interest in Vatrano at the 2024 NHL trade deadline. According to ESPN’s Amy Kaplan, New York and Anaheim had discussed a potential multi-player deal that included Vatrano and Adam Henrique in exchange for Kakko and a first-round pick. The Rangers ultimately declined the offer, finding it too costly. However, the new trade proposal does not involve a first-round pick, which could make it more appealing for New York.
Despite signing Kakko to an extension, the Rangers have not ruled out trading him. However, USA Today reporter Vincent Mercogliano noted that the Rangers have been unimpressed with the trade offers they’ve received for Kakko, as teams have tried to “buy low” on the former No. 2 overall pick. As a result, Rangers GM Chris Drury has been reluctant to move Kakko unless a more enticing offer comes along.
Kakko has appeared in 300 NHL games, recording 57 goals and 60 assists for a total of 117 points. The potential trade involving Vatrano could offer both teams an opportunity to address their respective needs ahead of the upcoming season.
